Hedwig photographs deserve close study

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 7

Hedwig photographs deserve close study

Murray Hedwig Photographs. Brooke/Gift'ord Gallery. Prices $35 to $6O. Open until November 10. Reviewed by Lloyd Park. Murray . Hedwig, who teaches graphic design and photography at the Technical Institute, shows 23 examples of colour and monochrome prints. A close and careful study of his work reveals a sense of his intimate involvement with Jiis subject matter, whether it be moving water, rock or seashore, or the play of light on textures of buildings. A masterly skill is apparent in. the cleanly presented photographs. The elements have been sought and composed leaving little or no superfluous matter within the boundaries of the film holder. There is northing at random here, but a carefully controlled execution . right through, from the initial searching and placement of

the image on to ground glass to the manipulation of the final print. A number of these photographs were the highlight of a photographic show some time ago, and are a pleasure to view again. ( ■

Mr Hedwig’s prints have retained the inherent sharp s ness and qualities he has sought. in the making erf his negatives and transparencies, and he has chosen to place his tones in the heavy or richer end of the gradation scale. Some at first, may appear to be too dark, but upon patient examination the images take on a strength and richness, particularly in the highlight areas, and have a satisfying and lasting appeal. This is noted particularly in Nos 2, .12, 15 and 19. Within the confines of his compact composition, No. 13 “Shopfront,” shows a strange, featureless frontage of whitened windows and sealed doors.

No. 15, “Facade” shows an enormous brick wall,. patch-

worked with bricked-up windows, making a marvellous mosiac of red, brown and black, lit by glancing sunlight, a most satisfying composition against a heavy blue sky. The overpowering black void in No. 17, produces a chilling presence, where fluorescents exude a ghostly pink glare against a stark white wall. In No. 19. the strong skimming sunlight has been put to good use, giving sharp texture and colour on the brick wall and ancient signwriting. In the foreground play delicate shadows from a line of tiny flags overhead. This composition has been successfully held within vertical format. The. empty frame of the upper print in, the No. 1 pair is a necessary counterpart to the silhouette below. The tripod leg and shadows indicate that this could be Mr Hedwig at work. In all, a good show, to be viewed with the care and attention it'deserves.